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Position-by-Position NFL Draft Outlook: Quarterbacks

OVERVIEW

So much for the first-round quarterback drought. Last year, only Florida State’s EJ Manuel went on the first night, and most thought Buffalo reached to take him with the 16th pick.

This year, even though some of the top names are slowly sliding out of the top five and maybe even the top 10, a safe guess is a minimum of three passers and as many as five will go in the first round.

Six months ago, Louisville’s Teddy Bridgewater was the consensus top quarterback on the board but has been passed in most circles by Central Florida’s Blake Bortles. The most polarizing passer is Texas A&M’s Johnny Manziel — which team will roll the figurative dice by rolling him the literal football?

A twist for teams in the top 10 — Houston, the Jaguars, Oakland and Minnesota — is how they’ve addressed the position already this off-season, perhaps allowing them to wait to draft a quarterback. But one team will start a run, and it will be up to the Jaguars to quickly decide whether they want to wait until No. 39 or move up.

JAGUARS OUTLOOK

On the roster: Chad Henne, Ricky Stanzi and Matt Scott.

Draft history: The Jaguars have selected only three quarterbacks since 2002 — David Garrard, Byron Leftwich and Blaine Gabbert — and the last two in the first round. Gabbert in particular was a debacle in his three years with the team.

Need scale (1-5): 5.

Henne re-signed for two years earlier this off-season but with the clear message that he may start the season, but he will eventually make way for a younger player.

THE TOP 5

1. BLAKE BORTLES, CENTRAL FLORIDA, 6-5, 232

Emerged seemingly out of nowhere during his redshirt junior year, passing for 3,581 yards, 25 touchdowns, a 12-1 record and two marquee wins — at Louisville and over Baylor in the Fiesta Bowl. … Went 22-5 as a two-year starter. … For a big guy, has running ability — 87 carries and six TDs last year. … Good against pressure — 16-of-25 for five touchdowns against six or more rushers last year.

2. ZACH METTENBERGER, LSU, 6-5, 224

Holds titles of Best Arm and Worst Mobility. … If not for an ACL injury against Arkansas last Nov. 29, would have been a lock first-round pick. … Thrived last year in pro style scheme under former NFL head coach/offensive coordinator Cam Cameron, throwing 22 touchdowns and only eight interceptions. … Went 19-6 as a starter for the Tigers. … Played at Georgia and Butler County (Kan.) CC before LSU.

3. TEDDY BRIDGEWATER, LOUISVILLE, 6-2, 214

Answered questions about his weight at the Combine (214) but was down to 208 at his Pro Day, when he also struggled as a passer. … Went 29-9 as a three-year starter for Cardinals, including upset win over No. 4 Florida after 2012 season. … Led nation in completion percentage (71.0) last year. … Career totals of 72 touchdowns and 24 interceptions. … Could he be available in the second round for the Jaguars?

4. JOHNNY MANZIEL, TEXAS A&M, 6-0, 211

By far the best improvisational quarterback of the bunch, but can he hold up physically playing that style, and does he have enough experience reading defenses to contribute right away? … Won Heisman Trophy as a freshman and followed up by throwing 33 touchdowns last year. … Played only two years (19-6 record), but he’s the most battle tested — went 5-5 against ranked opponents.

5. JIMMY GAROPPOLO, EASTERN ILLINOIS, 6-2, 226

Would be a bold pick in the first round, which traditionally isn’t the place to draft a non-FBS quarterback. … Was solid in East-West Shrine Game and Senior Bowl (where he played for Jaguars staff). … Among the Senior Bowl passers, had the quickest release. … Went only 23-22 as a starter (12-2 as senior). … Had 53 touchdowns and 5,050 passing yards last year. … Same college as Tony Romo.